As an avid hiker, I've always struggled to find the perfect headwear that can handle both the cold and the sun. You know, those days when the wind is biting, but the sun is still blazing? Finding something that keeps my ears warm and shields my eyes has been a real quest. I've tried so many different combinations, and I'm excited to share what I've learned on my journey to find the perfect hiking hat.
For years, I've battled this headwear dilemma. I used to just wear a regular beanie, but the sun reflecting off the snow or even just a clear day on the trail would leave me squinting and uncomfortable. A baseball cap alone? Forget it – my ears would freeze! So, I started my search for something that could do both. I needed a beanie with a brim, a visor, something that could offer warmth and sun protection in one neat package.
My initial attempts involved layering. I tried wearing a standard baseball cap under a beanie, but it was bulky and never quite felt right. The cap would shift, the beanie would ride up, and it was just a general mess. Then, I experimented with ear warmers and a separate cap, but that was too many pieces to keep track of. I needed a simpler, more elegant solution.
That's when I stumbled upon the idea of a "beanie visor hat." I discovered that some brands actually make beanies with a built-in brim, specifically designed for cold weather activities. It was a revelation! I started looking at brands like Outdoor Research, Carhartt, and Columbia, and I found several options that looked promising.
One option that caught my eye was the Carhartt Radar Beanie. I've always appreciated Carhartt's durability, and the Radar Beanie seemed like a solid choice for keeping my head warm while offering some sun protection. I even considered the Patagonia Range Earflap Cap. While it doesn't have a brim in the traditional sense, the earflaps provide excellent coverage and warmth, which is a huge plus during colder hikes. I realized that ear coverage was just as important as sun protection. I remember being surprised at how much I wore earflap hats and felt great. I have to have my ears covered in winter, or I’m miserable, but in summer, I’m also always wearing a ball cap.
I also found a clever idea involving a cap ear band. This is a separate band that covers your ears and can be worn with a regular baseball cap. It's a good option if you already have a favorite cap and just need some extra warmth. I liked the flexibility of this approach, but I was still leaning towards a single, integrated solution. This is the link to similar product: cap ear band.
During my search, I stumbled upon a product from Wholecustomdesign's homepage that seemed perfect for warmer weather: the Summer Cycling Sport Caps Cool Running Cap Fashion Bicycle Hat Headdress Headscarf Hiking Baseball Riding Beanie. It’s lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for hiking in milder temperatures where you still want sun protection. It’s not exactly a beanie with a brim, but it functions as a lightweight cap that provides good sun coverage and wicks away sweat. This is crucial for staying comfortable on long hikes.
I tried the Summer Cycling Sport Cap from Wholecustomdesign on a recent hike, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's incredibly lightweight and breathable, which kept me cool even when the sun was beating down. The material wicked away sweat effectively, preventing that uncomfortable, clammy feeling. While it's not a warm winter beanie, it's perfect for spring and fall hikes when you need sun protection without overheating. I found myself reaching for it again and again.
Another brand I discovered was Stormy Kromer. They offer a range of hats designed for cold weather, and their products have a reputation for quality and durability. While I haven't personally tried one yet, they're definitely on my list for future consideration. You can find their products here.
Based on my experience, here are some practical tips to consider when choosing a beanie with a brim for hiking: